I agree with Lee basically, however it “usually” doesn’t work when you are an unknown author submitting cold to an agent. Unless your story so so blockbuster it can’t be ignored, and most stories aren’t to be honest, you’ll be rejected automatically for not following the “rules.”

On the other hand, if you go the self-publishing route or are an established writer, you can get away with it.

The hard facts. I don’t buy the agents and publishers are readers too excuse and though they are looking for new talent, they are also looking for any excuse to throw the thousands of submissions into the trash to get on to the next one.